How to get there?
From Dolgellau, follow the A470 to the south. After two miles, turn left to Brithdir on the B4416. Cross the narrow bridge Pont ar Ddibyn in 50 metres. After a further 100m there is a lay-by on the left with an oak signpost marking the path.
A little about the walk...
This circular path is one of the most popular paths in the Dolgellau area and it follows the river Clywedog through its striking gorge. Originally, two paths were created on each side of the ravine. The original path was built by Thomas Payne and his son; he was also the designer of the Cob across the river Glaslyn in Porthmadog. The work was commissioned by Baron Richards of the mansion Plas Caerynwch, which is further upstream, in order to extend the mansion’s gardens. The Snowdonia National Park Authority has recently restored the original path along the Brithdir side of the ravine, keeping to the original line where possible. The path along this side of the ravine is a permissive path. Please respect the landowner’s good will by following the countryside code at all times. The whole ravine is a site of special scientific interest because of the important collection of lichens, mosses and ferns which thrive here because of the humidity of the ravine and the cleanliness of the air.
The Route
1. From the lay-by, walk back along the road towards Pont ar Ddibyn for hundred yards taking care of the traffic. Near the Torrent Walk oak signpost, turn right through the kissing gate. You will be crossing a wooden bridge over the ravine. There used to be a timber bridge with a patterned banister here when Thomas Payne completed the path.
2. Soon you can sit on a bench commemorated to Mary Richards, the botanist who used to live at Plas Caerynwch which is further upstream. She travelled a great deal, mostly to Africa, and was responsible for bringing many striking plants back to the gardens of Caerynwch. The sound of the river can be deafening here when there’s a strong flow after it has rained.
3. Further down the ravine you will see three large boulders across the path which were carried here by glacial forces 10,000 years ago. Notice the abundance of ivy, fern and mosses covering the broadleaved trees above – oak, beech and ash trees. Important collection of lichens and liverworts also grow here.
4. Soon you will reach the bottom road. A short distance from Pont Clywedog bridge towards Dolgellau are the ruins of an old iron furnace dating back to the early eighteenth century. It was built by Abraham Darby, the Quaker from Coalbrookdale. He and other Quakers from Dolserau and Dolgun farms used to mine iron ore on nearby Tir Stent and haul it down to the furnace. If you do have time, take a detour to explore the ruins. You will need to walk about 150 yards along the country road towards Dolgellau from Pont Clywedog.
5. Turn right over Pont Clywedog to continue along Torrent Walk (go to your left if you would like to take a detour to view the ruins of the furnace). Notice the names which have been carved to the bridge’s stones. The buildings on your right were previously a woollen mill and warehouse. Water to power the mill was taken from the river further upstream; some of the structure can be seen today. The flow of the water had to be controlled to prevent the waterwheel from breaking – in wet weather the river builds up destructive power and momentum in no time.
6. Keep to your right at the fork in front of you and walk up the hill until you will soon reach another signpost. Follow the path along the ravine up to the car. You will enjoy splendid views of the waterfalls along the path, and in the spring you will be walking through a woodland full of bluebells, wood anemone and wild garlic.
Respect the Environment!
If you're going out for a walk,
please take all your rubbish
home with you
including
fruit skins
& cigarette
stumps.
Snowdonia National Park Authority, National Park Offices, Penrhyndeudraeth, Gwynedd LL519DX
Telephone: 01766772274 e-mail: parc@snowdonia-npa.gov.uk www.snowdonia-npa.gov.uk